Princeton University’s Graduate School sets high standards for admission and academic progression in its postgraduate programmes. While each department may have its own specific criteria, all students must meet a set of core requirements to maintain good standing and successfully complete their degrees.

General Degree Requirements

All Ph.D. candidates must fulfill the following milestones:

1. Pass the general examination in their subject area.
2. Submit an acceptable dissertation that contributes original research.
3. Complete a final public oral examination after dissertation approval.

These steps are essential for earning a doctoral degree at Princeton. Master’s programmes may have different requirements, typically involving coursework and professional training.

Administrative Standing

Students must be in good administrative standing to be awarded a degree. This includes:

1. Being officially enrolled or maintaining degree candidacy.
2. Settling all accounts with university offices.
3. Completing semester sign-in and participating in annual reenrollment.

Failure to meet these administrative obligations may result in loss of enrollment status.

Residency Requirement

Graduate students are expected to be physically present on campus for the majority of each academic term. This ensures active participation in the university’s scholarly community. Specific residency rules include:

1. Minimum one academic year in residence before taking the general exam.
2. Continued residence throughout enrollment unless approved for enrollment in absentia.

Full-Time Study Commitment

Graduate study at Princeton is a full-time endeavor. Students are expected to engage in academic work year-round, including summer months. This includes:

1. Attending classes and seminars.
2. Conducting research.
3. Utilizing university resources.

Departmental Programme Requirements

Each department may impose additional requirements such as:

1. Coursework completion
2. Foreign language proficiency
3. Preliminary exams or exercises

Students who fail to meet departmental standards may not be allowed to continue into their third year or take the general examination.

Advising Requirements

Ph.D. students must have a dissertation adviser of record by the time they enter the post-generals stage. Key advising rules include:

1. Adviser must be a Princeton faculty member (exceptions require approval).
2. Adviser must be available and qualified to guide the student’s research topic.
3. Students must meet with their adviser at least once per semester and with another faculty member once per year.

In some departments, especially in lab sciences and engineering, adviser assignment may occur as early as the first year. In others, it begins after the general examination.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

To remain enrolled and receive funding, students must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress. This includes:

1. Meeting departmental milestones.
2. Receiving constructive feedback during advising meetings.
3. Staying on track for timely degree completion.

Students who fall behind may lose eligibility for stipends and other benefits.

Reference Section:

1. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/academics/degrees-requirements/standard-requirements
2. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/academics/degrees-requirements/advising-requirements
3. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/academics/degrees-requirements
4. https://gradschool.princeton.edu/admission-onboarding/apply
5. https://www.princeton.edu/admission-aid/graduate-admission